The BPI has appointed Theo Blackwell as the new Director of Public Affairs to replace the outgoing Director, Richard Mollet, who will be leaving shortly to take up his new role of CEO at the Publishers Association.
BPI Chief Executive, Geoff Taylor, commented on the appointment:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Theo as the BPI’s new head of Public Affairs. I have no doubt that his wealth of parliamentary experience and understanding of digital and new media issues will help us to represent our member labels effectively in the political debate going forward.”
“We are grateful to Richard for his outstanding work over the last few years and we wish him every success in his new role. I am sure we will be working even more closely with the Publishers Association in the coming years.”
Theo recently acted as an adviser to UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox and has been actively supporting the Mayor of Camden in his bid to promote the musical heritage of the borough. Prior to joining the BPI, Theo was Account Director at public affairs agencies Mandate Communications and Connect Public Affairs, handling the accounts of leading technology firms and managing relationships for the Olympic Delivery Authority and London 2012.
Speaking after his appointment, Theo said:
“I am delighted to be taking up my new role of Director of Public Affairs at the BPI. The recording industry contributes significantly to the UK’s creative economy and I will seek to communicate the challenges, needs and advancements of this important sector to Government, media and the wider creative industries.”
“I look forward to working closely with the BPI’s member companies and politicians alike to achieve the optimum framework that will see the UK’s world-class music market continue to flourish and grow.”
Theo will assume responsibility for the public affairs portfolio at the music industry trade body on Monday 18th October 2010.
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Lynne McDowell – 0207 803 1395 / 07763 619709 – lynne.mcdowell@bpi.co.uk